The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-01-14
Our Washington Letter


pied part of the week with private legisla-
tons, as the passage Of about forty five pen
sion bills will show; but important public
measures have also been discussed. Among |
these may be mentioned the great question |
of Interstate commerce which the Senate
expects to dispose of on Wednesday next,
and the Mexican Reciprocity treaty which
is treated behind barred doors.
When the bill granting a pension Of
$4,000 year to the widow of Gen. Log an
came up good deal was said as to whether
or not the the Senator's death was in any
way the result of wounds or exposure in
the army. Several Senators argued that
it was, and Senators Mitchell mentioned
that he had once heard Gen. Logan say
that he did not Intend to ask for 1t.
About this time Senator Vest came for
ward with glowing description of the SER
vices to the Union of Gen. Francis Blair,
and proposed an amendment to increase the
pension of $50 month, now paid to his
widow, to $4,000 year. This was quite
surprise to some of the Senators, but they
told Mr.. Vest they would vote to increase
Mrs. Blair's pension as a separate measure
if he would withdraw his proposition. Mr..
Vest took note of these fair promises and
resumed his seat Then Senator Berry of
Arkansas, who rarely speaks in the Senate
Chamber arose to say that if Mrs. Log an
was to haye $4,000 year, he did not see
why every widow of every officer from
Major Generals to Lieutenant should not
have the same. He expressed his high re-
gard for the dead Senator, but he felt sure
that Gen. Logan himself would not desire
his widow to be put on the pension roll.
Shortly after this the bill passed, but the
Arkansas Senator did not vote either way.
Immediately Senator Vest was on his
feet again asking permission to introduce
bill out of order, and offering a measure to
increase the pension of Gen. Blair's widow
to 81, 900 year. The Senators were again
surprised, but they were in generous
mood, and not being able to turn so quickly
from the promises they had made while
Mrs. Logan's pension was up. they voted
as requested by the Senator from Missouri.
Mr.. Vest smiled complacently at his achiev.
ment and the Senate proceeded with rou-
tine business.
There are different rumors in regard to
another Tariff crisis, but it is probable the
question as 10 whether revenue matters are
to be taken up in the House this session will
be settled within two or three days. Mr..
Morrison seems to be waiting and Mr..
Randall is watching. When Mr.. Morrison
was asked when he would try again to call
up his Tariff bill, he replied Gas soon
as enough of those who voted against
me before, come to me and say they will
| vote with me. AS soon as know the mo-
ton will be carried will make it." What
are YOU going to do about the Tariff? was
asked by one of the best informed of Mr..
Randalps followers. 1--WE are going to re-
duce the revenue he answered. 'If Mr..
Morrison does not move soon Mr.. Randall
we'll take the initiative
The definite results of the caucus neIu at
Mr.. Randall's house few evenings since
was decision to call up their revenue pro-
positions, which favors repeal of the tobac
co tax the tax on alcohol used in the arts,
and certain special liquor license taxes.
When The motion will be made is a secret,
Mr.. Randall being DESTROYS of keeping his
opponents ignorant on this point. But the
| Speaker has conceded that Mr.. Randall
has right to recognition and his motion
will most likely be carried by good ma.
jority. What will happen after that no
one in the House can predict.
The usual number of Senatorial contests
throughout the country are watched with
much interes, HI, re. Michigan sends anoth-
err millionaire to the Senate in Col. Stock
bride. who is one of the largest lumber
merchants.
Ex-Gov. Davis of MINI. who will be
Senator McMilan's successor, read law
with Senator Matt Carpenter, after the
war; and soon rose to high place in the
legal profession.
The fact that Gen. Logan leaves only
few thou3and dollars to his family after a
long career in Congress, has surprise d
many persons who have had an idea tina.